Pop icon Bebe Rexha took to X earlier this week to express her deep frustrations with the music industry. The 34-year-old singer-songwriter, who has penned hits for the likes of Eminem, Selena Gomez, Tate McRae, and Tinashe, shared a series of passionate posts detailing the obstacles she’s faced. Her claims paint a picture of an industry that has repeatedly undermined and sabotaged her efforts.
A Bold Call-Out
Bebe Rexha’s posts were, frankly, explosive. She shows herself fed up, and claims to be keeping some obscure things to herself, which could impact the business as a whole. “I could bring down a BIG chunk of this industry. I AM frustrated. I Have been UNDERMINED”, she wrote. Despite her extensive contributions and success, Rexha feels she’s been punished for speaking out.
“I’ve been so quiet for the longest time… And when I have spoken up I’ve been silenced and PUNISHED by this industry.”
-Bebe Rexha
The ‘Hey Mama’ Controversy
The singer’s grievances aren’t new. One fan mentioned the notorious 2015 ‘Hey Mama’ incident, where Rexha was initially excluded as a vocalist on the David Guetta track, despite her contributions. At the time, Bebe Rexha expressed her disappointment, explaining the complexities behind the decision to limit featured names. This exclusion was a bitter pill to swallow, given her journey in the industry. On Tuesday, she reflected on this, noting that it was just a small part of a much larger problem.
Struggles With ‘I’m the Drama’
Rexha’s latest single, ‘I’m the Drama’, released on June 28, has faced promotion challenges, she says. She claimed to have no budget for marketing the track, a surprising revelation considering her stature in the music world. “Marketing? I have no budget for that“, she stated bluntly. Despite releasing her third studio album, Bebe, in 2023, Rexha’s frustration and sadness were palpable.
The Silver Lining: Fans
Amidst her grievances, Rexha expressed gratitude to her fans. They have been her beacon of hope, providing the strength to persist. Meeting fans during her walks in London has reignited her passion, even in the face of industry adversity.
With a career featuring hits like ‘Meant To Be’, ‘Me, Myself & I’, and ‘I’m Good (Blue)’, Rexha’s journey has been both triumphant and tumultuous. As she continues to voice her struggles, her fans remain a testament to her enduring impact and resilience. In an industry often cloaked in glamour, Rexha’s raw honesty sheds light on the less visible battles artists endure. Her message is clear: the music industry must change, or she will reveal the full extent of her truths.
For more tweets, be sure to check out her X page, here.
[H/T] – Billboard